General Electric model 9-7120 clock flashing 12:00

[darklife]

edit: Skip to second post as I figured out this part of the problem..

Got this VCR many years ago out of the trash. It's dated 1986 and is mono only but seems to be a really nice unit.
Problem is that the clock flashes 12:00 and there seems to be no way to set it. It has clock buttons but they do nothing.
It's rather annoying that it constantly flashes 12:00 so I covered the screen with electrical tape and it's been that way for a few years now.

Anyone have a clue as to why it can't be set? I haven't opened the hood yet but my guess is that something is wrong with the internal clock itself, or I'm too stupid to figure out how to set it using the buttons but I swear I pressed every combo I can think of.

Also many of the buttons on the front have to be pressed really hard to make internal contact. Any idea how to clean them?
BTW I know my way around repairing electronics but just haven't got around to fixing this yet so any information before I open it up is appreciated.
Thanks guys.